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CTVA - The Classic TV Archive - UK
Whack-O! (Original)(BBC)(1956-60)    Whack-O!  (Revival)(BBC)(1971-72)
 Whack-O! (Original) (1956-60)
  Episode Guide compiled by The Classic TV Archive
with contributions by: Tom Alger [Uploaded Feb 2019]
Sources include:
www.imdb.com, https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/
https://laughterlog.com/2009/01/04/whack-o/
The Age (Melbourne Australia newspaper)

BBC Television Production, UK Comedy Series

Starring: Jimmy Edwards  as Professor James Edwards, Headmaster

################## Whack-O! ##################
############### Series 1 (1956) ##############
##############################################

Series 1 production credits:
Producer: Douglas Moodie
Writers: Frank Muir, Denis Norden
Incidental music composed and conducted by Alan Yates.

Series 1 regular cast (Teaching Staff):
Jimmy Edwards … Prof. Jimmy Edwards (Headmaster)
Arthur Howard … Oliver Pettigrew (Asst. Headmaster)
Barbara Archer … Matron
Arthur Bush … L.B. Hackett (Higher Mathematics)
Norman Bird … S. A. Smallpiece (Geography)
Victor Baring … M. Aristide Beaumarie (Modern Languages)
Kenneth Cope … F. D. Price-Whittaker (English B Literature)
John Garside … G.D. St. J. Dinwiddie (Latin and Greek)
Tony Sympson … R.D. Spelthorne (Lower Mathematics)

1.1 [--] Whack-O!
4-Oct-1956 BBC-TV Thur 7:30pm
Writers: Frank Muir, Denis Norden
Designer: George Djurkovic
No synopsis available.

1.2 [--] Whack-O!: TOP SCHOOL (unofficial title)
18-Oct-1956 BBC-TV
Synopsis:
Forced to demonstrate scholastic achievement, the Headmas­ter decides to enter Chiselbury in a radio school quiz programme.
To ensure a win, masters are dressed as boys and the answers are relayed up to the cricket scoreboard.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

1.3 [--] Whack-O!: THE FRENCH MISTRESS (unofficial title)
1-Nov-1956 BBC-TV
Synopsis:
A sexy Latin mistress from Paris on a temporary Anglo-French teachers’ exchange, has boys and masters alike fluttering around her
‘like a lot of old bees round a young honey’. Jim decides this can’t go on, and chooses one lucky member of staff to spend the
evening with Mam’selle. [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

1.4 [--] Whack-O!: (title unknown)
15-Nov-1956 BBC-TV
No synopsis available.

1.5 [--] Whack-O!: THE STUDENT PRINCE (unofficial title)
29-Nov-1956 BBC-TV
Synopsis:
A distinguished visitor, Prince Gopal of Jakari, turns out to be an 11 year old boy wishing to continue his education at Chiselbury.
Chaos breaks out when the VIP student does a bunk just as Mr. Burgess of the Foreign Office is due to visit.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

1.6 [--] Whack-O!: THE BOOK PRIZES (unofficial title)
13-Dec-1956 BBC-TV
Synopsis:
When Lady Uppingham withdraws from the book prize-giving ceremony, Jim has to manage with only 17 dust jackets and one spicy
confiscated novel, Piccadilly Gun Moll. [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

[--] 28-Sept-1957 - A Whack-O! segment was featured on the BBC TV special "These Are The Shows."

################## Whack-O! ##################
########### end of Series 1 (1956) ###########
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################## Whack-O! ##################
############## Series 2 (1957) ###############
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Series 2 production credits:
Producer: Douglas Moodie
Writers: Frank Muir, Denis Norden
Incidental music composed and conducted by Alan Yates.

Series 2 regular cast:
Jimmy Edwards … Prof. Jimmy Edwards, Headmaster
Arthur Howard … Oliver Pettigrew, Asst. Headmaster
John Hall … Taplow, Jnr.
John Stirling … Lumley
Elizabeth Fraser … School Matron
Philip Howard … L. J. Sneath, Carpentry (eps. 2.1, 2.4 - 2.10)
John Scott … G. Hackworth-Webb, History (eps. 2.1, 2.4 - 2.10)

2.1 [--] Whack-O!: THE TV SET (unofficial title)
1-Oct-1957 BBC-TV Tue. 7:30pm
Designer: Frederick Knapman
Cast:
Austin Trevor … Brigadier Taplow
Frank Atkinson … Television mechanic
Tony Sympson … R.D. Spelthorne (Lower Mathematics)
Victor Baring … M. Aristide Beaumarie (Modern Languages)
Synopsis:
Brigadier Taplow wants to see the new TV he has donated to the school, unaware that it is no longer in a working condi­tion.
The staff and students are forced to create their own broadcast, projected into the empty TV case via a giant pen-scope.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

2.2 [--] Whack-O!: THE GIRL (unofficial title)
8-Oct-1957 BBC-TV
Guest cast:
Enid Lindsey … Headmistress
Dawn Mendham … Schoolgirl
Eric Dodson … School Inspector
Synopsis:
Professor Edwards awaits the arrival of Harry Littlewood, son of the British Consul-General to Fernando Po. But when young
Harry turns out to be a ‘Harriet’, a deception must be staged, with Pettigrew playing the Consul-General’s wife.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

2.3 [--] Whack-O!: JIM’S ATTEMPT TO WIN RESPECT (unofficial title)
15-Oct-1957 BBC-TV
Designer: Frederick Knapman
Guest cast:
Campbell Cotts … Sir Wilfred Cope-Dawlish
Synopsis:
Following a spate of schoolboy pranks, the school governor warns the Head that he must earn the boys’ admiration.
Jim decides to be seen saving the school trophies from a dangerous, armed burglar (Pettigrew).
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

2.4 [--] Whack-O!: THE MARCHIONESS (unofficial title)
22-Oct-1957 BBC-TV
Guest cast:
Margot Grahame … The Marchioness
Andrew Jack … Schoolboy
Kynaston Reeves … Dr. Sopwith
Peter Stephens … Soames, the Marchioness’ Butler
Synopsis 1:
Headmaster Jimmy Edwards to get the son of a Marchioness to enroll in the school and save it from bankruptcy.
Synopsis 2:
When Jim hears Dr. Sopwith of Melchester is to meet a new prospective parent, the Marchioness of Retford, he ensures
that Chiselbury will take on her 13 year old son instead. However the Marchioness insists on a married Headmaster,
and a suitable woman cannot be found.[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]
--Variety magazine review:
30 Mins.; Tues., 7:30 p.m.  BBC TV from London
Ex-schoolmaster, now comedian, Jimmy Edwards hasn't forgotten a trick since his tutorial days, and back in cap and gown
as headmaster of an infamous British public school, "Chiselbury," for this series, makes the most of his background to
inject authenticity into the zany setup. Scripted by a couple of top writers, Frank Muir and Denis Norden, the skein
unfolds episodes in the events at the school, under the rule of its shyster headmaster. The teaching staff is hairbrained
and the pupils are always up to no good. Situations bring laughs and a certain amount of ad libbing by Edwards adds to the fun.
The episode caught involved the comedian's efforts to get the son of a Marchioness to the school and save it from bankruptcy.
Humor was very British. —review by Bary.

2.5 [--] Whack-O!: OUTING MONEY (unofficial title)
29-Oct-1957 BBC-TV
Guest cast:
Sam Kydd … Ginger Perkins
Freddie Vale … Mr. Grosvenor
John Unicomb … Mr. Harbord:
Synopsis:
The Headmaster finds himself needing to replace the Lower Third’s outing money, which he has borrowed to purchase a Ph.D.
gown and degree. Suddenly hope is offered in the guise of an old schoolboy burglar and a falsified insurance claim.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

2.6 [--] Whack-O!:
5-Nov-1957 BBC-TV
Guest cast:
William Mervyn … School Governor
No synopsis available.

2.x [--] Whack-O!: PETTIGREW TAKES OVER (unofficial title)
(possibly) 5-Nov-1957 BBC-TV
Synopsis:
The school governor is aghast when Wordsworth’s Daffodils is judged the winner of the original poetry competition,
and Edwards is sacked. Pettigrew is duly promoted, introducing new ‘progressive education’ policies. [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

2.7 [--] Whack-O!: (title unknown)
12-Nov-1957 BBC-TV
Production credits include:
Designer: Frederick Knapman
No synopsis available.

2.8 [--] Whack-O!: (title unknown)
19-Nov-1957 BBC-TV
No synopsis available.

2.9 [--] Whack-O!: (title unknown)
26-Nov-1957 BBC-TV
No synopsis available.

2.x [--] Whack-O!: THE SCHOOL COUNCIL (unofficial title)
BBC-TV air-date unknown
Synopsis:
In a sentimental mood on his birthday, the Professor is persuaded by the boys to set up a joint School Council.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

2.x [--] Whack-O!: THE GRANGE SCHOOL FOR BOYS (unofficial title)
BBC-TV air-date unknown
Synopsis:
‘The Grange’ next door has become a rival boys’ school, but Prof. Edwards is determined it will not be granted a
licence when the ministry inspector calls tomorrow. Dressed in Nicholas Nickleby costume from the school play,
he poses as the Headmaster. [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

2.x [--] Whack-O!: THE CRICKET PAVILION FIRE (unofficial title)
BBC-TV air-date unknown
Synopsis:
Jim is caught in the act of setting fire to the school, in an attempt to cover up a burnt-out new cricket pavilion.
He tries to transfer the blame. [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

2.10 [--] Whack-O!: (title unknown)
03-Dec-1957 BBC-TV
—matching episode?
2.x [--] Whack-O! THE END-OF-TERM REPORT (unofficial title)
BBC-TV air-date possibly 3Dec57
Synopsis:
On the last day of term, Jim has written a vindictive damning report. As a result, he falls victim to a campaign of
psychological warfare, aimed at persuading him to produce a more favourable assessment. [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

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########### end of Series 2 (1957) ###########
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############### Series 3 (1958) ##############
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Incidental music composed and conducted by Alan Yates.

Series 3 regular cast:
Jimmy Edwards … Prof. Jimmy Edwards (Headmaster)
Edwin Apps ... Mr. L.J. Halliforth
Peter Glaze ... Mr. R.P. Trench
Arthur Howard … Oliver Pettigrew
David Langford … Parker
John Lewis … Mr. R. Palmer
Michael Stainton … Mr. G. Perkins
John Stirling ... Lumley

3.1 [--] Whack-O!: EXPOSURE! (unofficial title)
23-Sep-1958 BBC-TV Tue 7:30pm
Repeat: 28Sep58 BBC-TV Sunday 3pm
Editor: Frank Middlemass
Writers: Frank Muir, Denis Norden
Incidental music composed and conducted by: Alan Yates
Designer: Stanley Dorfman
Producer: Douglas Moodie
Guest cast:
June Whitfield … Mrs. Van Stuyvesant
Christopher Hey … Marvin Van Stuyvesant, her son
Hugo de Vernier
Synopsis:
A wealthy American, Mrs. Van Stuyvesant, enrolling her son Marvin for the new term, turns out to be a Sunday
newspaper reporter, investigating corruption in phony private schools. Jim endeavours to prevent the story
from being published. [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

3.2 [--] Whack-O!: THIS IS YOUR LIFE (unofficial title)
30-Sep-1958 BBC-TV
Repeat: 5Oct58 BBC-TV Sunday 3pm
Guest cast:
Eamonn Andrews … Himself, (Host of UK version of "This Is Your Life")
Robin Ford
Bryan Kendrick … Television producer
Anthony Sagar … Scriptwriter
Synopsis:
Unable to produce Pettigrew’s back-pay enabling him to visit his elderly aunt in Australia, Edwards offers
to bring her to England instead. The plan is to encourage the BBC to feature his assistant as the subject on This Is Your Life.
A fictitious Pettigrew story is concocted, highlighting daring sea rescues and heroic action with the Indian army.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

3.3 [--] Whack-O!: THE NEW MATRON (unofficial title)
7-Oct-1958 BBC-TV Tues.
Repeat: 12Oct58 BBC-TV Sunday 3pm
Guest cast:
Wallas Eaton … Mr. Herbert Lumley
Mary Hignett … Mrs. Calthrop
Douglas Stewart … A.G. Braithwaite
Synopsis:
The masters have to take on all the domestic duties following matron’s departure. When Mr. Lumley sees the appalling
condition of his son, he insists that a replacement be found. His choice is a dictatorial battle-axe, so Jim dreams
up a bogus illness to force her resignation.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

3.4 [--] Whack-O!: THE BURGLARY (unofficial title)
14-Oct-1958 BBC-TV
Repeat: 19Oct58 BBC-TV Sunday 3pm
Guest cast:
Arnold Bell … Police Inspector
Robin Ford … Laundry manager
Thomas Gallagher … Griggs
Graham Rowe … Cashier
Ivor Salter … Bailey
Synopsis:
When the cash box from a £500 laundry robbery is found in the school grounds, Prof. Edwards suspects Lumley and
Taplow, and the boys suspect their Headmaster. Then the real burglars return… [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

3.5 [--] Whack-O!: THE BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP (unofficial title)
21-Oct-1958 BBC-TV Tues.
Repeat: 26Oct58 BBC-TV Sunday 3pm
Guest cast:
Wallas Eaton … Mr. Herbert Lumley
Margaret Flint … Assistant mistress (as Maggie Flint)
Mary Hignett … Headmistress
Jeremy Roughton … Figgins
Synopsis:
Mr. Lumley wants to see his son achieving something, so Jim decides A. J. Lumley should win a boxing championship.
The boy is initially reluctant, until he falls in love with Deirdre at mixed ballroom dancing classes.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

3.6 [--] Whack-O!: THE WHACKING MACHINE (unofficial title)
28-Oct-1958 BBC-TV
Repeat: 2Nov58 BBC-TV Sunday 3pm
Guest cast:
Eric Dodson … School Inspector
Arthur Howard … Oliver Pettigrew
Synopsis:
With his flogging arm in a sling after a football ‘accident’, the Headmaster is at the mercy of schoolboy pranks.
That is, until he introduces a caning machine, dubbed the ‘TERRA’. Is Chiselbury about to enter a ‘golden age of obedience’
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

3.7 [--] Whack-O!: THE POPULARITY BALLOT (unofficial title)
04-Nov-1958 BBC-TV
Repeat: 9Nov58 BBC-TV Sunday 3pm
Guest cast:
Michael Logan … Mr. Arkwright
Jeremy Roughton … Figgins
Synopsis:
An old boy has left £100 to be awarded to the most popular school personality, as decided by ballot.
Jim is determined to win, so he organises a publicity stunt. Our hero will overpower a maniacal Pettigrew,
who is threatening to blow up the school.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

[--] 25-Dec-1958 - Christmas Night With The Stars (BBC-TV) featured a Whack-O! segment (survives on film).

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########### end of Series 3 (1958) ###########
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############# Series 4 (mid-1959) ############
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Series 4 regular cast:
Jimmy Edwards … Prof. Jimmy Edwards (Headmaster)
Edwin Apps ... Mr. L.J. Halliforth
Michael Brennan … Mr. Gumbril (beginning #4.2)
John Forbes-Robertson … Mr. Tuppington
Mary Hignett … Mrs. Mortlake (beginning #4.2)
Arthur Howard … Oliver Pettigrew
Henry B. Longhurst … Vicar (beginning #4.2)
Derek Needs … Phillpott
Robert O'Leary … Phipps
Jimmy Ray … Crombie
Frank Raymond … Mr. Cope-Willoughby (beginning #4.2)

4.1 [--] Whack-O!: THE RUSSIAN VISITOR (unofficial title)
12-May-1959 BBC-TV Tue. 7:30pm (repeated 21June59)
Guest cast:
Alexis Chesnakov … Mr. Bulenkov
Patrick Connor … Taxi-driver
Maurice Hedley … Mr. Ramsay
Christopher Hodge … Mr. Snaith
Michael Kilgarriff … Security escort
Max Latimer … Security escort
Geoffrey Paget … Rawlinson
William Raynor … Mr. Posford
Jon Skinner … Harper
Anthony Wilson … Hotchkiss
Synopsis:
In preparation for a visit by the Russian Under-minister of Culture, the Headmaster orders in various exhibits
from the Victoria & Albert museum, hoping to pass them off as the pupils’ handiwork. Meanwhile, a booby-trapped
bottle of whisky almost starts World War III! [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

4.2 [--] Whack-O!: THE FACTORY (unofficial title)
19-May-1959 BBC-TV (repeated 28June59)
Writers: Frank Muir, Denis Norden
Producer: Douglas Moodie
Guest cast:
Nan Braunton … Miss Smallpiece
Gerald Case … Major Prosser
John G. Heller … Mr. Tichbourne
Mary Hignett … Mrs. Mortlake
Henry B. Longhurst … Vicar
George Woodbridge … Farmer
Synopsis 1:
Professor Jimmy Edwards tries to prevent the construction of a brewery on the school playing fields.
Synopsis 2:
The Head is told he is eight years in arrears with the rent for the school playing fields, and that consequently
the land has been sold for industrial development. With his protests falling on deaf ears, Jim impersonates the
proposed factory owner in a bid to enlist support from the villagers. [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]
--Variety magazine review:
WHACK-O! 30 Mins., Tues., 7:30 p.m. BBC-TV, from London
Sticking to an established formula, namely presenting top comic Jimmy Edwards in situations that exploit his
extravagant delivery and talent for the absurd, this new skein, of "weekly school reports" deals as before
with the misadventures of the headmaster of a seat of learning—or maybe backside of learning fits the joint better.
It has established faults and virtues, the former taking in some puerility and the latter residing happily and
dominantly in ridiculousness of characterization and content.
Item under review had "Professor" Jimmy Edwards scheming to prevent the building of a factory on the school playing
fields, even involving his staff and pupils in some Baron Frankenstein malarkey —to find in the payoff, of calamity,
that he's succeeded in stopping the erection of a brewery. All in the cast pitched in with a will, while production
was smooth. — reviewed by Erni.

4.3 [--] Whack-O!: THE UPJOHN STATUE (unofficial title)
26-May-1959 BBC-TV (repeated 5July59)
Guest cast:
Arnold Diamond … Mr. Osborne
Christopher Hodge … Mr. Snaith
Austin Trevor … Brigadier Taplow
Michael Ward … Mr. Harris
Synopsis 1:
In need of money to settle outstanding bills, Jim decides to make use of an unwanted Greek statue.
He sends out letters requesting donations for the purchase of a memorial to spurious old boy, Samuel Upjohn.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]
Synopsis 2:
When Jim is pressed to settle an outstanding account of £104 8s. for scholastic supplies, he hits on an
idea for raising money which is well up to his usual standard. For is it not about time that Chiselbury
had a memorial to its greatest old boy, Samuel Ogilvie Upjohn—'the boy who never was'? [Radio Times, 05July59 repeat]

4.4 [--] Whack-O!: THE FÊTE (unofficial title)
2-Jun-1959 BBC-TV
Writers: Frank Muir, Denis Norden
Incidental music composed and conducted by: Alan Yates
Designer: Stanley Dorfman
Producer: Douglas Moodie
Guest cast:
George Woodbridge … Farmer
Henry Longhurst … Vicar
Synopsis:
Keen to once again host the annual village fête, Prof. Edwards promises a performance of the Chiselbury floral dance,
conducted by Mr. Halliforth. When the boys discover they will be dressing up as flowers, a sit-down strike is called.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

4.5 [--] Whack-O!: MR. PHIPPS’ BET (unofficial title)
9-Jun-1959 BBC-TV (repeated 19July1959)
Writers: Frank Muir, Denis Norden
Incidental music composed and conducted by: Alan Yates
Designer: Stanley Dorfman
Producer: Douglas Moodie
Guest cast:
John Boxer … Mr. Phipps
June Whitfield … Edwina
Synopsis:
Charles Phipps’ father wagers £50 that the Headmaster cannot outwit his son within a month. Jim arranges a public
flogging for Phipps, until he finds something worth more to him than money — the perfect wife.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

4.6 [--] Whack-O!: THE CROSS-COUNTRY CUP (unofficial title)
16-Jun-1959 BBC-TV
Guest cast:
Robin Ford … J. Erasmus Biggs
Sydney Keith … Mr. Billings-Orgelist
Austin Trevor … Brigadier Taplow
Synopsis:
Jim pays his staff using the money given to him for the purchase of a sports day trophy. A cup is ordered
on approval from the jewellers, with the Head relying on his champion to win the race. But hopes are not
high as Mr. Pettignew dons his running togs.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

BBC-TV repeats
[--] 21June1959 BBC-TV - repeat from 12-May-1959.
[--] 28June1959 BBC-TV - repeat from 19-May-1959.
[--] 05July1959 BBC-TV - repeat from 26-May-1959.
[--] 12July1959 BBC-TV - possibly a repeat, no details in Radio Times.
[--] 19July1959 BBC-TV - repeat from 9-June-1959.
[--] 26July1959 BBC-TV - probably a repeat from 16-June-1959.

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######### end of Series 4 (mid-1959) #########
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############ Series 5 (late 1959) ############
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Series 5 regular cast:
Jimmy Edwards ... Professor Jimmy Edwards
Edwin Apps ... Mr. L.J. Halliforth
Arthur Howard … Oliver Pettigrew
Paul Norman … Potter
Jimmy Ray … Crombie

5.1 [--] Whack-O!: THE NEW POST
10-Nov-1959 BBC-TV Tue 7:30pm
Charlotte Mitchell … Matron
Robert Perceval … Mr. Brathy
Guy Kingsley Poynter … Major Delgardo
Robert Raglan … Sir John Dalton
Brian Rawlinson … Mr. Proctor (recurring)
Synopsis:
When Jim learns that the Americans have taken oven a local airfield and a Headmaster is needed to teach
their children, he offers his services. Unfortunately, his Chiselbury contract can’t be broken unless he
is dismissed for gross moral turpitude. [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]
--same episode?
Synopsis:
First edition of BBC comedy series. The headmaster is obliged to punish two boys who glued Mr. Pettigrew's
(Arthur Howard) mortar board to his head. [The Age, Melbourne, 23Jan61]
(Melbourne: 23Jan61 Monday 7:30pm ABV-2)
(Melbourne repeat: 31Jan62 Wed. 6:30pm ABV-2)

5.2 [--] Whack-O!: TASK MASTER
17-Nov-1959 BBC-TV
Donald Bisset … Dr. Garland
Philip Howard … Usher
Gordon Phillott … Mr. Dinwiddie (recurring)
Kynaston Reeves … Magistrate
Synopsis 1:
Crombie overhears a conversation about a schoolboy taking his teacher to court for excessive cruelty.
After receiving six of the best, he too brings his case before a magistrate, alleging that Prof. Edwards
administered 347 whacks! [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]
Synopsis 2:
Crombie, an 11-year-old pupil, sues his headmaster for alleged brutality. The professor conducts his own
case in court. [The Age, Melbourne, 30Jan61]
(Melbourne: 30Jan61 Monday 7:30pm ABV-2)
(Melbourne repeat: 07Feb62 6:30pm ABV-2)

5.3 [--] Whack-O!: THE INSPECTOR’S VISIT
24-Nov-1959 BBC-TV
Eric Dodson … School Inspector
Beryl Measor … Miss Partington
Geoffrey Paget … Rawlinson (recurring)
Gordon Phillott … Mr. Dinwiddie (recurring)
Brian Rawlinson … Mr. Proctor (recurring)
--matching episode?
[--] Whack-O!: (title unknown)
Cast: John Hall, Jerry Desmonde, Arthur Howard
Synopsis:
An inspector is expected at the school, and Professor Edwards knows that the school won't stand inspection.
The masters attribute the boys' inattention to their studies to their dreary diet. [The Age, Melbourne, 6Feb61]
(Melbourne: 6Feb61 Monday 7:30pm ABV-2)
(Melbourne repeat: 14Feb62 6:30pm ABV-2)
Synopsis 2:
Jim allows his boys to become guinea pigs for St. Tallulah’s girls’ cookery class, believing it will become
useful as a threat. When the meal turns into a success, the threat becomes an incentive for hand work before
the inspector’s visit. [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

5.4 [--] Whack-O!: THE EMPTY CASH BOX
(episode survives)
1-Dec-1959 BBC-TV
Wallas Eaton … Mr. Teesdale
Derek Needs … Bouverie
Geoffrey Paget … Rawlinson (recurring)
Raymond Rollett … Mr. Theobald
Cast:
John Hall
Jerry Desmonde
Arthur Howard
Synopsis 1:
In the middle of trying out his invention, SMACS (Squeamish Masters' Anonymous Caning Screen), Professor Edwards
hears that the governor of the school board is sending his nephew (Wallas Eaton), a chartered accountant, to the
school to examine the accounts. [The Age, Melbourne]
(Melbourne: 13Feb61 Monday 7:30pm ABV-2)
Synopsis 2:
Prof. Edwards thinks of the missing petty cash when he hears the school governor is sending his accountant nephew
to examine the school books. [The Age, Melbourne]
(Melbourne repeat: 21Feb62 6:30pm ABV-2)
Synopsis 3:
The governor’s chartered accountant nephew, examining the accounts, finds a cash box with £30 missing.
To replace the money, Prof. Edwards takes over Crombie and Potter’s insurance scheme against whacking.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

5.5 [--] Whack-O!: MADISON AVENUE
8-Dec-1959 BBC-TV
Guest cast:
Campbell Cotts … Sir Nigel Wright
Charlotte Mitchell … Matron
Geoffrey Paget … Rawlinson (recurring)
Gordon Phillott … Mr. Dinwiddie (recurring)
Brian Rawlinson … Mr. Proctor (recurring)
Ronnie Stevens … Mr. Garston
Synopsis 1:
Jim attempts to fund an advertising campaign for new pupils. A commercial is filmed, but must be scrapped when
the son of a BBC governor is sent to Chiselbury.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]
Synopsis 2:
Professor Edwards sets himself up as a barber to raise funds for an advertising captain to induce new boys to
come to Chiselbury School. [The Age, Melbourne, 20Feb61]
(Melbourne: 20Feb61 Monday 7:30pm ABV-2)
(Melbourne repeat: 28Feb62 6:30pm ABV-2)

5.6 [--] Whack-O!: THE RECORDING
15-Dec-1959 BBC-TV
Special guest:
Vera Lynn … Herself
Guest cast:
Geoffrey Paget … Rawlinson (recurring)
Gordon Phillott … Mr. Dinwiddie (recurring)
Brian Rawlinson … Mr. Proctor (recurring)
Synopsis 1:
The professor auditions boy artists for Mr. Dinwiddle's Benefit Concert. Later, however, he changes his plans
and decides to compose the Chiselbury Boating Song, which he would like Vera Lynn to record. [The Age, Melbourne, 27Feb61]
(Melbourne: 27Feb61 Monday 7:30pm ABV-2)
(Melbourne repeat: 07Mar62 6:30pm ABV-2)
Synopsis 2:
Pettigrew has promised Mr. Dinwiddie a cottage for his long service present, and the Headmaster decides a hit tune
for the school will bring in the loot. Vera Lynn is persuaded to come and sing The Chiselbury Boating Song at Dinwiddie’s
bedside, unaware that her performance is being recorded! [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

BBC-TV repeats
[--] 04Jan1960 BBC-TV - repeat from 10-Nov-1959.
[--] 18Jan1960 BBC-TV - repeat from 17-Nov-1959.
[--] 25Jan1960 BBC-TV - repeat from 24-Nov-1959.
[--] 01Feb1960 BBC-TV - repeat from 1-Dec-1959.
[--] 08Feb1960 BBC-TV - repeat from 8-Dec-1959.
[--] 15Feb1960 BBC-TV - repeat from 15-Dec-1959.

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######### end of Series 5 (late 1959) ########
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################## Whack-O! ##################
############ Series 6 (mid-1960) #############
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6 episodes x 30 min. b/w

Series 6 cast regulars:
Jimmy Edwards … Professor Jimmy Edwards
Edwin Apps … Mr. L.J. Halliforth
Richard Dean … Parker
Arthur Howard … Oliver Pettigrew
Geoffrey Paget … Rawlinson
Gordon Phillott … Mr. Dinwiddie
Stephen Portch … Hoyle
Brian Rawlinson … Mr. Proctor
Frank Raymond … Mr. Cope-Willoughby

6.1 [--] Whack-O!: THE NEW UNIFORM
13-May-1960 BBC-TV Fri. 8:35pm
Guest cast:
Andrikos Adonis … Moussaka
Michael Des Barres … Floyd
Fabia Drake … Mrs. Cheviot
Ian Fleming … Dr. Ross
Synopsis 1:
Although he thinks the visiting Moussaka Ensemble will be a group of Balkan peasants, Professor Edwards, for a handy fee,
hires them the school hall. [The Age, Melbourne, 20Mar61]
(Melbourne: 20Mar61 Monday 7:30pm ABV-2)
(Melbourne repeat: 28Mar62 6:30pm ABV-2)
Synopsis 2:
When Jim hears the boys’ detested new Eton suits have been stolen in a burglary, he smells a rat. Then the masters’
clothes are also pilfered, with the village ladies arriving any minute to hear a recital by the musical Moussaka Ensemble.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

6.2 [--] Whack-O!: THE QUIZ GAME
20-May-1960 BBC-TV Fri. 8:30pm
Guest cast:
Sherry Brind … Hostess
John Caesar … Mr. Leybourne
Jerry Desmonde … Quiz-Master
Veronica Gray … Hostess
John Hall … Taplow
Janette Rowsell … Hostess
Frederick Wheldon … Mr. Crichton
Synopsis 1:
New boy Hoyle has gained full marks in the maths test. Ex-pupil Taplow, who is successful with a TV quiz show, returns to pay a visit.
[The Age, Melbourne, 14Mar62]
(Melbourne repeat: 14Mar62 6:30pm ABV-2)
Synopsis 2:
An old boy now in commercial TV offers the Headmaster an appearance on the Break The Bank quiz show, with questions supplied beforehand.
Jim chooses maths as his subject, relying on his top pupil to come up with the answers.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

6.3 [--] Whack-O!: THE DISMISSAL
27-May-1960 BBC-TV Fri. 8:30pm
Guest cast:
Arnold Bell … Mr. Foster
Howard Marion-Crawford … Sir Gerald Turnbull
Synopsis 1:
The chairman of the board of governors dismisses Professor Edwards because he has supposedly approved of a nude photograph
appearing in the school magazine. [The Age, Melbourne, 13Mar61]
(Melbourne: 13Mar61 Monday 7:30pm ABV-2)
(Melbourne repeat: 21Mar62 6:30pm ABV-2)
Synopsis 2:
A photo of a naked lady is found in the school magazine under the heading ‘Proposed new addition to hobbies room’,
and Edwards is sacked! Mr. Foster takes over as Head, but, determined to clear his name, Jim stays on — as a schoolboy!
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

6.4 [--] Whack-O!: THE OLD LAG
aka THE NEW PUPIL
(episode survives)
3-June-1960 BBC-TV Fri. 8:30pm
Guest cast:
Mary Merrall … Lady Westbury
Billy Thatcher … Mr. Drew
Stanley Van Beers ... Sam Tozer
Synopsis 1:
The school's new landlady, Lady Westbury, is trying to find employment for ex-prisoners. She asks Edwards to accept as
a teacher a former prison librarian, Mr. Tozer (Stanley van Beers) in return for which she will halve the school's rent.
[The Age, Melbourne, 27Mar61]
(Melbourne: 27Mar61 Monday 7:30pm ABV-2)
Synopsis 2:
Lady Westbury offers to halve Prof. Edward’s rent if he helps her humanitarian cause by accepting an ex-Pentonville inmate
on the staff. Mr. Tozer gains the respect of the boys, but Jim is adamant that he must go. [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

6.5 [--] Whack-O!: THE MISSING SCULPTURE
10-June-1960 BBC-TV Fri. 8:30pm
Guest cast:
David Langford … Fuller
Norman Pierce … Police Inspector
Synopsis 1:
On a form outing to the Tate Gallery in London, Professor Edwards is intent on ensuring that previous escapades on such
outings will not be repeated, so he's accompanying the boys himself. [The Age, Melbourne, 11Apr62]
(Melbourne repeat: 11Apr62 6:30pm ABV-2)
Synopsis 2:
The Headmaster decides to accompany the boys on their form outing to the Tate Gallery. All his trepidations prove well
founded when one pupil and a piece of sculpture disappear. [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

6.6 [--] Whack-O!: THE VARIETY CONCERT (unofficial title)
17-June-1960 BBC-TV Fri. 8:30pm
Guest cast:
Max Bygraves … Himself
Oliver Johnston … Mr. Grubb
Barry Took … Barry Hayman
Olwen Brookes … Secretary
Synopsis:
As chief of entertainments, Jim books Max Bygraves to perform at the Chiselbury village hall Grand Variety Concert.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

—same episode as above?
[--] Whack-O!: (title unknown)
BBC air date unknown
Synopsis:
A mysterious figure with a handlebar moustache and dark glasses is seen leaving the village cinema, where a French film is showing.
[The Age, Melbourne, 18Apr62]
(Melbourne repeat: 18Apr62 6:30pm ABV-2)

BBC-TV repeats:
25July1960 BBC-TV - repeat from 13-May-1960.
26July1960 BBC-TV - repeat from 27-May-1960.
27July1960 BBC-TV - repeat from 3-June-1960.
28July1960 BBC-TV - repeat from 10-June-1960.
29July1960 BBC-TV - repeat from 17-June-1960.

################## Whack-O! ##################
######### end of Series 6 (mid-1960) #########
##############################################

################## Whack-O! ##################
############### Series 7 (1960) ##############
##############################################

6 episodes x 30 min. b/w

Series 7 cast regulars:
Jimmy Edwards … Professor Jimmy Edwards
Edwin Apps … Mr. L.J. Halliforth
Arthur Howard … Oliver Pettigrew
Gordon Phillott … Mr. Dinwiddie
Frank Raymond … Mr. Cope-Willoughby
Keith Smith … Mr. Forbes

7.1 [--] Whack-O!: POOLS WIN
(episode survives)
22-Nov-1960 BBC-TV Tue 7:30pm
Guest Cast:
Van Boolen … Head Waiter
Don Carlos … Band Leader (as Don Carlos and his Latin Music)
Frances Collier … Follies Girl
Pamela Conway … Follies Girl
Adrienne Durand … Follies Girl
Susan Franklin … Follies Girl
Diana Hill … Follies Girl
Philip Howard … Waiter
Gino Melvazzi … Waiter
Brian Oulton … The Rev. B. Munro
Synopsis 1:
Schoolmaster Oliver Pettigrew wins £38,000 in a football pool. Headmaster Jimmy Edwards is horrified to learn
that Pettigrew plans to give all his winnings to charity. [TA]
Synopsis 2:
Seeing no benefit in his £38,000 pools win, Pettigrew plans to give it all to the Four-Footed Friends Fund.
Disgusted, Jim urges him to first sample the fleshpots, so they head off for a night of wine, women and song
at the flashy Ritz-Canton. [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

7.2 [--] Whack-O!: MILDRED’S LITTLE BIT
29-Nov-1960 BBC-TV Tue 7:30pm
Guest cast:
Keith Smith … Mr. Forbes (recurring)
Synopsis:
The lovesick geography master, Mr. Halliforth, announces his engagement to Mildred, daughter of the village tea
shop proprietor. The Headmaster convinces him of the folly of such a union until he learns of a £8000 inheritance.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

7.3 [--] Whack-O!: THE NEW MASTER
aka MINIMUM WAGE
6-Dec-1960 BBC-TV Tue 7:30pm
Guest cast:
Keith Smith … Mr. Forbes (recurring)
Synopsis:
Mr. Halliforth departs and his Welsh replacement, Mr. Mor­gan, demands that the teachers’ salaries are raised to
regulation levels. To find the money, Jim plans to run adult evening classes, until he discovers a demand for English
lessons for foreign domestics. [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]
—same episode?
[--] Whack-O!: (title unknown)
BBC air date unknown
Synopsis:
Fed up with £4 10/ and "bring your own chalk," the teachers threaten to go on strike. [The Age, Melbourne, 25Apr62]
(Melbourne repeat: 25Apr62 6:30pm ABV-2)

7.4 [--] Whack-O!: CHISELBURY EXPERIMENT
13-Dec-1960 BBC-TV Tue 7:30pm
Guest cast:
Cliff Michelmore … Himself
Derek Hart … Himself
Jonathan Bergman … Schoolboy
Charles Carson … Mr. Wiltshire
Kevin Dawes … Schoolboy
Kenneth Gouge … Boddington
Melvyn Hayes … Terry
William Kendall … Mr. Armitage
David Lord … Lindsay
Edward Martin … Schoolboy
Synopsis:
Jim decides to give a poor urchin free education at Chiselbury and ensures maximum publicity by appearing on the
Tonight TV show. Suddenly he has two weeks to make a gentleman out of a young tough from the Dockland slums.
[Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]
—same episode?
[--] Whack-O!: (title unknown)
BBC air date unknown
Synopsis:
Professor Edwards embarks on a novel public campaign to encourage enrollment to Chiselbury. [The Age, Melbourne, 02May62]
(Melbourne repeat: 02May62 6:30pm ABV-2)

7.5 [--] Whack-O!: JIM'S BETTER SELF
(surviving episode)
20-Dec-1960 BBC-TV Tue 7:30pm
Guest cast:
Donald Bisset … Dr. Garland
Keith Smith … Mr. Forbes (recurring)
Synopsis 1:
It's Christmas Eve, and Professor Edwards and Mr. Pettigrew have plans for a winter holiday at St. Moritz; but there's an
outbreak of measles at the school. [The Age, Melbourne, 09May62]
(Melbourne repeat: 09May62 Wed. 6:30pm ABV-2)
Synopsis 2:
The Head is preparing for a winter holiday in St. Moritz when the doctor diagnoses an infectious case of measles in the school.
Jim upsets Pettigrew by refusing to authorise extra food for the quarantined boys, and so suffers a troubled sleep during
which he is visited by his conscience. [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

7.6 [--] Whack-O!: JIM AHOY
27-Dec-1960 BBC-TV Tue 7:25pm
Guest cast:
Martin Benson … Admiral Sir Archibald Ballard
Kenneth Gouge … Boddington
Jeremy Lloyd … Hunter
James Locker … Naval policeman
David Lord … Lindsay
Roger Shepherd … Fenner
Keith Smith … Mr. Forbes (recurring)
Geoffrey Stoneman … Naval policeman
Synopsis 1:
Admiral Sir Archibald Ballard, a strict disciplinarian, is the new chairman of the school board. Hearing that he is to
pay the school a visit, Professor Edwards organises a desperate clean-up programme. [The Age, Melbourne, 15May61]
(Melbourne: 15May61 Monday 7:30pm ABV-2)
(Melbourne repeat: 16May62 Wed. 6:30pm ABV-2)
Synopsis 2:
Visiting disciplinarian Admiral Sir Archibald Ballard is concerned about Chiselbury’s 95% school leaver unemployment
figures. He insists that before his next visit, Prof. Edwards appoint a vocational guidance master and find a position
for the unemployable R. A. Hunter. [Mark McKay, Laugh Magazine]

################### Whack-O! #################
########### End of Original Series ############
##############################################

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